What if this is one of my favourite movies of 2024.
This movie pleasantly surprised me. Going into the cinema I sort of knew what to expect, but I didn’t expect to feel so many emotions. I took my nephew along with me, because I thought it was a children’s movie, but the movie ended up talking more to me than to him.
Ryan Reynolds said he John Krasinski set out to make a live-action Pixar movie and they really did it. IF (Imaginary Friends) combines the emotional beats of an animated film with the grounded feel of a family comedy. Everything fits together like the perfect puzzle.
This film is so beautiful and well put together. I cried, I laughed and I fell in love with all the wonderful imaginary friends. The opening scene almost felt like the opening scene from Up – you go through all these happy memories and then reality sinks in.
The movie rests on the shoulders of Cailey Fleming, as Bea and she does a fantastic job. Ryan Reynolds was also the perfect guy to bring Cal to life. John Kransinski and Fiona Shaw do amazing as well. But the voice cast really pushes this film to the next level, it’s led by Steve Carell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Louis Gossett Jr. There are some other awesome voice cameos as well.
The blend of live action and CGI characters is amazing. Krasinski does a brilliant job as director, proving that he can tell different kinds of stories in an effective way. I’m really touched by this movie and I think it’s something special for the whole family.
IF is a love letter to our childhoods. You should never let go of the things that used to matter to you. Life gets so busy that we lose the childlike wonder and the sparkles in our eyes. This movie reminds us that it’s okay to be a kid again. Besides, life is worth living if you can find joy in the little things.
This movie is the must-see family event of the year. It has something for everyone and I’m glad I got to share it with my nephew. I can’t wait to re-watch it, because I just need to rediscover my childlike wonder. The traumas of today can hurt a little less with the memories of yesterday.
